WHAT ARE REALTOR ASSOCIATIONS DOING ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY? --6

WHAT ARE REALTOR ASSOCIATIONS DOING ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY?

By Steve Wright

EcoBroker Vice President John K. Stovall was a featured presenter at the Vermont Association of Realtors (VAR) 2007 statewide convention, which focused on going Green.

Personally, sustainability has been a priority since the 70’s, said Robert D. Hill, executive vice president of the VAR. “When the Legislature spent the entire session last year on global warming and attempted to institute mandatory energy efficiency standards on all housing, it was a natural opportunity to make sure our members are conversant with the concepts and adequately prepared to respond to customers who are looking for Green real estate. We wanted to help our members understand that this is where the market is going and not just a `nerdy idea,’ so they should be professionally primed to provide assistance when their clients ask.”

To create more sustainability, VAR has also worked Smart Growth Vermont on a project to demonstrate that well-planned communities can fit the Vermont landscape. However, Hill said acceptance of the concept is moving slowly due to stringent permitting processes. Evening if some government codes are slow to adapt, he said the bottom line is Green is here to stay.

“Just as Realtors have been at the forefront of educating home buyers and sellers on the hazards and mitigations of lead paint, they can also be instrumental in showing clients how Green improvements can increase the value of their investment,” Hill said.

TOMORROW: Green Real Estate Education

Wright frequently writes about smart growth and sustainable communities. He and his wife live in a restored historic home in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana. Contact him at: stevewright64@yahoo.com